Wicked Wind (Solsti Prophecy #1)

by Sharon Kay

“Excuse me?” For a split second he was floored. Women didn’t talk to him like that.

  “Yeah. Excuse you. That was rude.”

  He let out a low growl and prowled into the kitchen, standing right in front of her. He could smell whatever soapy product she used in the shower, apple-scented something or other. “What did you just say?”

  “I think you heard me.”

  He leaned down until his nose was inches away from hers. Standing this close to her, he was swamped with her sweet scent, almost making him forget her taunt. “Who do you think you are?”

  Before she could respond, the back door opened and Brenin strode in. The other demon must have sensed the tension in the room and spoke in a voice laced with warning.

  “’S’up, Kai?” Brenin leaned on the other side of the granite-topped island, standing in a pose that looked completely relaxed. But as Kai well knew, Brenin would vault over it in a split second if trouble started.

  Was Brenin protecting her? Kai took a step back and blew out a breath, not taking his eyes off the female. “Who is this?”

  Brenin spoke with a purposeful, slow voice that irritated Kai. “Kai, let me introduce you to Brooke, Nicole’s sister.” Turning to the woman, he said, “Brooke, this is Kai, the other Lash demon who lives here. Looks like he woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. He’s not usually such an ass.”

  Nicole’s sister. Shit. She had mentioned two of them, and Rilan wanted to meet them. Because they were fucking Solsti. Kai glared at her. It seemed he’d managed to offend a creature so powerful and rare that she was supposed to be a myth.

  “Fuck you, Brenin.” Turning, he stalked to the basement door and yanked it open. He needed to work off steam somehow, and it looked like the training room was going to be his best option. He wasn’t going to apologize. This was his territory and no one, not even a tart-tongued Solsti, talked to him like that.

  Nicole had never been so happy to hike through the woods. What the heck happened back there? She’d do anything to keep moving and to avoid talking to Gunnar right now. He was obviously ticked at her, but she hadn’t missed the blue flash in his eyes when she touched his chest. His gaze had warmed her skin the entire day, which only intensified the way her body ached after last night’s dream. She tried to make conversation just to keep herself distracted. The run-in with the Vipers was a definite distraction, but only a temporary one.

  She had been transfixed watching Gunnar fight the snake-headed creatures. All that raw male strength and the efficient way he dispatched the Vipers made for a potent combination. His powerful body ducked and swerved with a grace not immediately evident in someone his size. The muscles in his arms rippled and bulged every time he hefted that sword. It had to weigh half as much as she did, but the way he moved made it seem like little more than a sapling.

  Then he had to go and taunt her with his gorgeous, muscular chest, only to growl at her two seconds later. No one told her that demons had super-healing abilities. Maybe it was bold of her to touch him, but she was concerned about his wound. That and the fact that she had been dying to get her hands on him, especially after last night. It wasn’t just her dream, but the memory of his hands on her breasts that was making her a little crazy.

  They walked along the path in a single line, with Nicole in the middle. True to his word, Raniero stopped a couple hours later and indicated for them to follow him off the path and into the dense bushes. After awhile they came to a very small clearing and Raniero smiled. “Here we are.”

  Nicole raised her eyebrows. “I don’t see anything.”

  “We have very good wards,” the demon said with a confident smile. He reached down to move a large branch on the ground, and Nicole noticed the outline of a door in the grass. The door itself appeared to be made of grass. Raniero tugged on a handle that Nicole thought was a rock, and the door opened upward. It looked like a storm cellar that was accessed from the outside. “After you,” he murmured, inclining his head.

  Nicole crept cautiously down the stairs. Motion-controlled lights flickered on as she descended farther. After two flights the stairs ended at a closed door. She waited, not knowing if this door was warded also. Raneiro reached around her to open it, saying, “Go ahead. It’s not the Plaza, but it’s safe.”

  She found herself in a large living room. There was a kitchen and a room that looked like an office off to the left, and a hallway to the right. The living room had a chair rail encircling the walls, the lower half painted a deep crimson and the top portion tinted with a warm tan. Sconces and small mirrors contributed to an understated sophistication. She spied marble counter tops in the kitchen, and was instantly glad that her newest friends took an interest in creature comforts. Glad, but a little bit confused. “You have electricity here?”

  Raniero grinned at her. “Torth is not that different from Earth. It’s as old as Earth, and has similar diversity in its geography and climate. And demons have been flashing back and forth between the two for centuries. Any modern conveniences have either been adapted to Torth or existed here first.”

  Her surprise must have shown on her face, because he added, “Of course, some of the conveniences on Torth may have a few supernatural modifications. Like electricity, for example. Torth doesn’t have a power grid or power lines; instead, magic is used to channel power from the ley lines that cross the realm.”

  “Ley lines?”

  “They’re kind of like latitude and longitude, except they don’t necessarily run north-south and east-west. They go where they want, connecting various places of concentrated magic or energy.”

  “Actually, Earth has ley lines, too,” Gunnar added. “Though the ones here are more powerful.”

  “Okay.” Nicole shrugged. That explanation was as good as any. Two-headed birds, angry snake-headed monsters, and magical power lines. Don’t over-think it. She sank onto a soft red couch, the stresses of the day weighing on her. Her stomach picked that moment to growl, and she remembered she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.

  Both demons heard, of course. As they turned to look at her, she rose and walked to the kitchen. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was! Do you guys want anything?” Then she paused.

  She raised an eyebrow at Gunnar, who followed her. “I don’t even know what you eat,” she said softly.

  He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of water. “We don’t need to eat as often as you do. These will be fine for now.” Setting the drinks down on the counter, he turned to her. “Nicole, we were in a dangerous situation today. Vipers are among the most vicious creatures on Torth, and they ambushed us. I want to keep you safe, but I need you to listen to me.”

  She sighed. “But I was able to help you. I kept their arrows away from you. Well, most of them.” She eyed the red, puckered skin of his arm ruefully.

  “I can do a better job of protecting you if I know you’re not jumping into the fray.”

  “I can stay out of trouble and protect myself at the same time.” She crossed her arms over her chest, and her stomach rumbled again.

  “Actually, I don’t think you can stay out of trouble. You attract it. You’re stubborn.” He grinned at her. “And you’re hungry.” He opened the freezer, revealing a large stash of frozen entrees. “Help yourself.”

  “Wow.” She scanned the items inside and took out a frozen lasagna. She popped it into the microwave and waited impatiently for it to heat up as Gunnar joined Raniero in the living room. She was glad that he didn’t seem too mad at her anymore. But staying away from the action? That would to be a challenge, especially after today. Being able to use her gift against those awful snake-headed monsters had been awesome and inspiring, and she couldn’t wait to do it again.

  CHAPTER 8

  A COUPLE HOURS after her meal Nicole perched on the red couch, getting an earful of demon lore. The two men conferred while she ate, sharing details of their work and tales of altercations with creatures that she hoped never to see. She wiggled her toes as she
listened, glad to be free of her socks and hiking boots. Despite her tiring day, she felt restless and edgy. Her mind swam with distracting memories of the soft, newly healed skin covering the muscled slabs of Gunnar’s chest.

  “Solsti.” Raniero’s voice broke into her thoughts, the word rolling off his tongue as if he was testing it out. “Simply amazing. It’s still sinking in. Tell me about your sisters.”

  Raniero took a genuine interest in her talent and listened attentively when she described Brooke and Gin, hinting with a gleam in his eye that he’d enjoy meeting them. Although roguishly handsome, Nicole felt zero interest in the dark-eyed demon beyond friendly camaraderie. She was glad to have him as an ally.

  Their impromptu host got up and stretched his brawny arms over his head. “I have enjoyed our conversation, but it’s time for me to get some rest. I’ll be up early tomorrow, tracking a trio of Serus demons. Bastards are robbing travelers along the western edge of the forest.”

  Nicole opened her mouth to thank Raniero for his hospitality, but stopped at the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He flicked a knowing glance from her to Gunnar and murmured, “There are two bedrooms here—I’ll take the smaller one...you two can decide about the other.” And with a wink, he disappeared into the first doorway down the hall.

  Nicole and Gunnar turned to each other. In a heartbeat, the air between them grew heavy and charged with anticipation. Everything faded from the room as his blue eyes locked with hers. Sapphire embers flamed. One bedroom. They would share a room tonight, or one of them would sleep on the couch. After last night, she knew what she wanted.

  “I’ll take the couch.” His voice rasped like sandpaper.

  She shook her head, rising to walk toward the large armchair he sat in, not breaking contact with the turquoise glow of his eyes. Awareness coursed through her body as she remembered his muscles rippling and flexing when he fought off the Vipers, and the way his fingers stroked her into a frenzy of need the previous night. She padded slowly over to him in her bare feet.

  “No, you won’t. Not after the way you teased me last night.” She wasn’t usually this bold, but Gunnar affected her senses like no man ever had. Leaning forward, she braced her hands on the arms of the chair. “You’re spending this evening right next to me.”

  He stared at her, frozen. She thought he forgot to breathe. Did he need more convincing? “You’re not kissing me senseless and then walking away, not this time–”

  Her breath caught as he tugged her arms, tipping her off balance and tumbling her into his lap. He pushed her legs to either side of his so she straddled him. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands. “Hell no, I’m not going anywhere. But so much has happened in the last few days. I want you to be sure.”

  In response, she took one of his hands in hers and slowly brought it to her mouth. She pressed a kiss to the center of his palm, and then kissed her way down the length of one finger before drawing it between her lips. Blue flames flared in his eyes as he held her gaze. He had to hear the pounding of her heart as it crashed wildly in her chest. She had invited a demon to her bed, and every cell in her body was on edge with curiosity and aching need.

  She swirled her tongue around his finger and scraped gently with her teeth. He inhaled sharply as she began to suck, his eyes riveted to her mouth. With his free hand on her lower back, he scooted her forward on his lap until her core came into contact with the impressive bulge in his jeans. Humming in pleasure as her hips cradled his, she was unable to keep from rocking against him.

  That was all it took. He pulled his hand from her mouth and threaded it into her hair. His lips covered hers with a rough groan. Demanding and possessive, he held her in place, claiming her with his kiss. She twined her arms around his neck and slid her tongue along his, eager to taste him as he tasted her. She licked against him, savoring a bit of lingering sweetness from his drink.

  Her fingertips caressed the sides of his neck, tracing the line of his massive shoulders, and moved down to explore his broad chest. His pectoral muscles were hard sinew under her curious fingers, his abs steel bands of strength. Gently hooking her fingers into his waistband, she felt his lower body clench as he growled and moved both of his hands to her hips.

  The heat from his palms seared her, making her skin feel too tight. She craved his touch all over her body. He moved his hands up slowly, caressing her waist and ribs the way he had done at the club. But this time he didn’t stop there. He cupped her breasts and rubbed her nipples through her bra and T-shirt, making them bead into tight points. Every nerve ending in her body exploded with need, aching for his hands, his teeth, his tongue.

  He broke their kiss and she felt his hands at the hem of her shirt. In one swift movement he tugged it up over her head. He gazed at her for a moment before lowering his head to place teasing kisses along one side of her sheer black bra. His mouth was deliciously hot, his lips soft on her skin. He caressed the side of her other breast, then the top, before flicking his thumb across her straining nipple. She couldn’t hold back a moan as her hips moved on his.

  Not letting go of her, he stood, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked them to the unoccupied bedroom. She vaguely registered a spacious room with walls painted a deep red, two chairs, and an enormous four-poster bed with black linens. Still holding her, he kicked the door shut and crossed the room to lay her on the coverlet. He followed her down, covering her body with his, infusing her senses with his warm skin and dark woodsy scent.

  He caressed her arms, drawing them up above her head and holding them there while he lowered his head to her neck and traced teasing patterns with his tongue. She purred in pleasure when he scraped his teeth along her shoulders. Goose bumps erupted down her arms. He slid his hands under her shoulders to the center of her back, where he flicked open the clasp of her bra. She wiggled her arms out of it, loving the way he couldn’t look away from her breasts. Impatient to explore his naked chest, she tugged on his shirt. “Off.”

  “Yeah?” he whispered. “And what do I get?”

  A maelstrom of desire tore through her. She cupped her breasts and flicked the taut nipples, pushing them toward his mouth. “Taste.”

  “Deal,” he groaned. His shirt was on the floor before she saw him touch it. Then his mouth found her breast, kissing and licking the soft underside. She couldn’t hold back a moan at the warm, rough feel of him. He moved to her nipple, flicking it with his tongue before drawing it into his mouth. He suckled her tenderly, maddeningly, and brushed his fingertips across her other breast. Back arched, she pushed into his touch.

  Knowing what she needed, he moved his hand down to her waist and popped the button on her jeans.

  “Yes,” she breathed, shimmying out of them. They were tight, so her damp panties came off right along with them. A tiny shiver danced up her spine when the cool air of the room hit the moist skin between her thighs. She stretched out, completely naked, watching him drink in every inch of her.

  “So damn sexy,” he murmured, tracing the line of her hip. He moved his finger across her belly and lower, drawing lazy circles on her skin. She shifted her hips, pushing them closer to him.

  “You’re killing me.” She gasped as he cupped her and slid his fingers between her legs. When he brought them back up and just barely touched her most sensitive spot, her entire body jerked. “Gunnar,” she breathed, “I’m really close.”

  Approval rumbled deep in his chest. “That’s it,” he whispered. “Come for me, baby.” He lowered his mouth to her nipple. Pleasure short-circuited her mind, her breathing ragged. His hand continued to stroke her, once, twice, and when he circled her clit with his thumb, she couldn’t hold back. Splinters of light exploded though her body as she rocked against his hand, her hips coming up off the bed.

  Still floating on waves of pleasure, she realized he had moved down on the bed to position his head between her thighs. He didn’t give her a chance to catch her breath as he licked the length of her center, lapping at the slic
kness that covered her. She tensed, thinking her flesh would be too sensitive, but he circled her tight bundle of nerves with his talented tongue. Oh, yes. She clutched the sheets as he coaxed her higher and higher, until she came again, her body convulsing with sensation.

  She gazed at him through sated eyes as he moved next to her. He propped his head on one hand and splayed the other across her abdomen, leaning down to nuzzle her neck. She dimly realized that he still had his jeans on. She reached for his waistband. “Too many clothes.”

  “You’re a demanding little piece.” He grinned at her, standing up to shuck his jeans and boxer briefs. She watched, rapt, as he pushed them down, freeing his straining cock. Kneeling on the bed in front of him, she couldn’t take her eyes from his heavy arousal. Huge and thick and proud, he made her mouth water.

  She reached for him, wrapping her hand around his granite-hard length covered in velvety smooth skin. With slow strokes, she explored every ridge along his shaft. Looking up at him, she blinked at his clenched teeth and the corded muscles in his neck

  “Gunnar?”

  He grunted in response.

  “I want to taste you.”

  Gunnar’s head was going to explode. His body would be next, if Nicole kept her soft, slender hand on his dick for another second. And her mouth? He gritted his teeth at the thought. “Next time,” he growled.

  She pretended to pout as he nudged her back down on the bed. “Promise?”

  He ignored her question, turning his attention to her dusky pink nipples. He had ached to taste her last night. How he held himself back, he didn’t know, because the sweetness of her skin was as peachy and intoxicating as her scent. He laved one nipple while he brushed his thumb across the other one. She sighed and wriggled against him, running her hands across his shoulders and upper back.

  He wanted to taste, touch, and explore every inch of her delectable body, but his cock throbbed with need. The feel of her exploring hands only pushed him closer to the edge.